Visual aids constitute an important resource which the teacher can use in a given moment with the objective of arousing the interest and helping the students understand the new vocabulary to facilitate their learning. With the use of visual aids it pretends to contribute to a better vocabulary learning of a foreign language.
Through the use of Visual Aids we can motivate the students to make our classes more lively and enjoyable.
In the learning and teaching of a foreign language, vocabulary is one of the most important components. According to Virginia Allen (1983) “The communication breaks down when people do not use the right words or the communication stops when learners lack the necessary words”. For this reason, I consider that vocabulary is an essential part in every English classes. Besides, the success in learning often depends on the number of senses that work together in this process, about this Virginia Allen says:” When students can touch something, in addition to hearing and seeing the word that names it, there is a stronger chance that the word will be learned”.
Students should learn a certain number of English words and know the meaning in their own language, this will allow them to express their opinions and feelings, give and receive information, and say what they mean in an appropriate form.
Vocabulary can be taught in an isolated form or in context and there are many ways for helping students learn words. It´s necessary to use these materials properly, that is, we must choose and show what is important only and keep in mind the level, age, needs and background of the students, since an inadequate presentation of the words can hinder the learning and can cause some problems. In regard to this, Celce-Murcia (1977) suggests that: “ Inicial teaching vocabulary should avoid words that are difficult for the learner to pronounce since vocabulary that is hard to articulate will cause initial psychological problems”
Here I show some aids with which the teacher can create a friendly environment to stimulate and maintain interest through varied practice activities, to emphasize the enjoyable aspects of language learning and to give students necessary feelings of success which will determine their growth toward communication.
YAMILE LORENA QUIROZ LUCERO
